An Eventful Autumn

Amidst the rising dust, the cavalry troop bearing the Raven banner had arrived before everyone.

At the forefront was a nobleman in splendid light armor, his eyes cold and his demeanor proud.

Martin was puzzled, unsure whether this suddenly appearing nobleman was friend or foe.

He gripped the hilt of his sword, warily scrutinizing the other party.

The nobleman dismounted, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally resting on the distinguished Martin.

"I am Andras, the garrison commander of the Syrmia region. What happened here?"

His voice was deep and authoritative.

Before Martin could speak, the Hungarian who had been pointing an arrow at Martin had already dismounted and scrambled to Andras, preemptively saying, "My Lord, these people have set up a camp without authorization on Hunyadi's territory and have also cut down trees. We originally intended to drive them out before you arrived, but these fellows are unwilling to pay compensation for the felled trees."

Andras glanced at the two, a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes, then turned to Martin and politely asked, "Sir, what is going on here?"

Martin took a deep breath and directly presented the Emperor's edict: "My Lord, we are passing through this place by Emperor Laszlo's decree, heading to Bulgaria to spread the faith and guard the border. It is also by His Majesty's command that we are to build supply camps along the way for later arrivals. We had no intention of offending, nor do we wish to incur the displeasure of the illustrious Hunyadi Family."

Andras took the edict from his hand and examined it carefully.

His expression was very serious, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

After a while, he looked up, his gaze sweeping over Martin and the Knights one by one, then looking at the timid-looking immigrants.

"This edict is consistent with the orders from Budapest. I know this is the Emperor's command, and I understand the hardships you face as pioneers," Andras said slowly, "However, you did indeed set up a camp on the Hunyadi Family's territory and cut down trees without permission, which is not allowed in Hungary."

Martin's heart tightened; he was about to explain, but Andras raised a hand, signaling him not to rush to defend himself.

"However," Andras's tone shifted, "Hunyadi does not wish to defy the Emperor's decree, and I do not wish to make things difficult for these people who are eager to build new homes."

His gaze fell on the immigrants, with a hint of inexplicable meaning in his eyes.

"In this instance," Andras said after a moment of thought, "the compensation for the felled trees will be waived, but for the land where the camp is built, you will need to pay an annual rent of one hundred florins, and you must abide by the local laws.

Furthermore, I must remind you that Hunyadi is preparing to discuss the matter of your camps with the Emperor in the upcoming Hungarian Parliament. If you leave people stationed here, you must be prepared to dismantle the camp and leave at any time."

"I understand."

Martin's expression was complex; this individual was far more skilled, speaking and acting impeccably.

With things having been said to this extent, Martin could only grit his teeth and pay the money.

After all, their meaning was clear: they were letting them off this time out of respect for the Emperor.

However, in Hungary, the King of Hungary's face generally didn't count for much; only Emperor Laszlo was slightly stronger.

After collecting the money, Andras immediately left with his subordinates.

As a vassal of the Hunyadi Family serving as the county governor of this land, he naturally had to fulfill his respons responsibilities.

However, offending the Emperor's people for the sake of the Hunyadi Family would not be worth it.

After the Hungarian left, the heavy stone in the immigrants' hearts finally lifted. They had faced no small amount of difficulties along the way.

There were those who collected tolls, those who tried to forcibly expel them, and there was even a group of thugs who attempted to rob the Teutonic Order. In the end, those robbers all became corpses, but the Teutonic Order also suffered some losses.

This time was the easiest resolution, at least it seemed like a crisis that was more startling than dangerous.

Martin immediately organized people to quickly complete the initial construction of the camp, leaving a Knight, a clergyman, a dozen sergeants, and a few immigrants to guard the baggage and defend the camp.

Afterward, the main force continued forward, taking a boat from the ferry crossing by the Danube River to Belgrade.

The Teutonic Order's crisis was temporarily resolved, but Emperor Laszlo encountered a series of tricky problems.

In Vienna, inside the Emperor's study, Privy Council Chairman Eyczing stood by the Emperor's desk, holding several documents with a solemn expression.

"Your Majesty," Eyczing said with some worry, "I have several rather unfavorable pieces of news to inform you of."

Emperor Laszlo frowned slightly, motioning for him to continue.

"The noblemen of the South German region are dissatisfied with our actions of taking away immigrants," Eyczing handed the princes' petition to Emperor Laszlo, pointing to the content and saying, "Many noblemen have set up checkpoints in their respective territories, requiring people who wish to leave villages, manors, or towns with their luggage and belongings to pay a substantial sum of money, which the peasants simply cannot afford.

Moreover, they have jointly petitioned Your Majesty to revoke the edict encouraging migration to the East and request compensation from you."

Emperor Laszlo's face darkened. He paced back and forth in the room, quickly understanding the intentions of these noblemen.

"Hmph, how do I recall that Imperial law stipulates that lords have no right to restrict the freedom of freemen, or even tenant farmers; only serfs are their personal property!"

"Your Majesty, theoretically that is indeed the case. We did not encounter too much resistance when attracting immigrants in Bohemia, but this time…" Eyczing paused, "Perhaps our recent methods have been too blatant, and this is also my fault for not anticipating such strong resistance from the princes. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

"Alright, no need to say such things," Emperor Laszlo waved his hand, "Do you mean they are angry that I rashly issued the edict without consulting them?"

"Likely so, Your Majesty."

"Hmph! I am the Emperor!" Emperor Laszlo shouted in a burst of frustration, then quickly regained his composure, "These fellows just feel that they have lost population for nothing and want to make up for it a bit from me, don't they? One by one, they always only consider their own interests, without regard for the overall development of the Empire."

"Your Majesty," Eyczing reminded him somewhat awkwardly, "It is widely rumored within the Empire recently that you are expanding the power of the Habsburg Family under the guise of 'Imperial interests' by sacrificing the interests of local princes. Our enemies are always slandering us."

"Alas," Emperor Laszlo sighed lightly, "With such a small number, how can they feel secure? Let them hate."

"There is one more matter, Your Majesty," Eyczing pulled out another petition, "The noblemen of the Kingdom of Hungary emphasize that according to Hungarian law, the King must hold a Hungarian Parliament at least once a year, and you did not go to Budapest at all last year, nor did you convene the Hungarian Parliament.

They strongly demand that you convene the Hungarian Parliament as agreed, and they hope to discuss the issues concerning German immigrants, excessive taxation during wartime, and the establishment of supply stations."

"Wasn't I fighting in Italy all last year? Where would I find the time for a meeting?" Emperor Laszlo stopped pacing, "Alright, I will go to Hungary. These fellows seem to be as ill-intentioned as the noblemen of South German. What a bother… my life is simply an unending journey."